By Neilley Claude EBESSA,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
As heavy rain swept across several fixtures at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), concerns about waterlogged pitches failed to materialise. From Fes and Rabat to Casablanca, Agadir and Marrakech, matches have gone ahead without disruption, with playing surfaces remaining firm and consistent despite challenging weather conditions.
The key to this success lies beneath the grass. Morocco has equipped its major stadiums with an advanced pitch-management technology known as SubAir, a system installed underground to regulate moisture and airflow in real time.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
68.000 places
Unlike traditional drainage systems that rely mainly on gravity, SubAir actively extracts excess water from the pitch while pumping fresh air into the soil. This prevents saturation, protects the grass roots and ensures the surface remains stable even during heavy downpours.
Ground teams can monitor and adjust the system depending on rainfall and match schedules, allowing pitches to recover quickly — sometimes within minutes — after intense rain. This has proved vital during a tournament where tight scheduling leaves little room for delays or postponements.
Players and coaches have praised the consistency of the surfaces, noting that reliable pitch conditions reduce injury risk and allow teams to play their preferred style of football. Tournament officials say the technology has helped maintain high professional standards across all host venues.
Grand Stade de Tanger
Morocco’s investment in modern stadium infrastructure reflects its wider ambition to position itself as a leading host for major international sporting events. During this AFCON, that investment has delivered a practical — if understated — benefit.
While goals and results dominate the headlines, Morocco’s pitch drainage system has emerged as one of the tournament’s quiet successes, ensuring that when the rain falls, the football goes on.
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